Forest end Hughton’s proud unbeaten record

Chris Hughton saw his remarkable unbeaten Championship record come to an end at the weekend but backed his Birmingham side to bounce back from the 2-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.

The former Republic of Ireland international went into Saturday’s game protecting a proud record of 40 games unbeaten at home as a Championship manager with Newcastle and Birmingham but that incredible run came to an end as a brace from Dexter Blackstock meant Chris Burke’s second half goal counted for nothing after the woodwork denied Keith Fahey a dramatic last-gasp equaliser.

The defeat leaves Birmingham in fifth, eight points behind leaders Southampton.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Irish duo Noel Hunt and Ian Harte were on the scoresheet as Reading boosted their promotion hopes with a 2-0 win at Middlesbrough. Hunt put the Royals ahead with a close range finish before Harte wrapped it up with a trademark free-kick 10 minutes from the end as Reading climbed to third.

Reading boss Brian McDermott said: ‘‘Ian has not had too many chances in and around the 18-yard box, but if you give him a chance then there’s a 50/50 chance it’ll end up in the top corner.”

Andy Keogh was another Irishman on the scoresheet at the weekend as his superb goal helped Millwall to a 3-1 win at Burnley.

West Ham surrendered top spot after a 0-0 draw at home to Crystal Palace. Southampton took over on top, thanks to a Rickie Lambert hat-trick in the 3-0 victory at Watford.